Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Oral Statement of 20 November 2024 on Defence Programmes Developments, Official Report, columns 287-289, whether he plans to extend the retention bonuses for aircraft engineers to non-aircraft engineers.

The single-Services each pay targeted retention payments where they are most needed, and where they provide the most efficient use of tax-payers money.

As part of the Government’s commitment to renew the nation’s contract with those who serve, eligible Tri-service aircraft engineers will be given £30,000 when they sign up for additional three years’ of service. From April 2025, this will be applicable to around 5,000 personnel in total.